Building Thermal Mass Estimation Using Weather-Aware HVAC Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats are limited in their ability to account for external weather conditions and the thermal mass of a structure, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues, as they primarily rely on a single temperature sensor and do not consider factors like humidity or the building's insulation levels.
Innovation Solution
A system that connects thermostats to a computer network, using multiple sensors and processors to calculate the effective thermal mass of a building, compare internal and external temperature measurements, and adjust heating and cooling strategies based on thermal mass, weather data, and HVAC system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermostats use only a single temperature sensor and basic control logic, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the ability to account for external weather conditions and thermal mass is insufficient, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension temperature control to multi-dimensional environmental monitoring by incorporating external temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and thermal mass calculations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to account for weather conditions and building characteristics, significantly improving energy efficiency recommendations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that receives data from multiple thermostats and external weather stations, processes this information to calculate thermal mass and environmental factors, and returns optimized recommendations. This intermediary handles the computational complexity centrally, allowing individual thermostats to remain relatively simple while benefiting from advanced analytics
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable thermostats are designed with limited interfaces and basic functionality, then the manufacturing cost and device complexity remain low, but user programming ability and adaptability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated environmental monitoring and thermal mass calculation. The thermostat automatically collects data from external sensors, processes this information through the server, and generates optimized temperature schedules without requiring user programming. This eliminates the need for complex user interfaces while providing advanced adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the thermostat monitors internal temperature, external weather conditions, and HVAC system performance. This feedback is sent to the server which adjusts recommendations based on actual building response, enabling the system to adapt to thermal mass characteristics without user intervention
3Measurement precision
If thermostats operate without considering thermal mass and external weather conditions, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the accuracy of temperature control and comfort optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of thermal mass and environmental factors in advance by collecting historical temperature data and weather information. The server processes this data to determine building-specific characteristics before they are needed for control decisions, enabling accurate temperature control without adding operational complexity for the user
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location.